The Pros and Cons of Hiring An Unarmed vs. Armed Security Guard
From vandalism to burglaries to homicides, crime is a reality of life.
Every home, every business, and every event is susceptible to criminal activity. That’s why so many businesses are choosing to hire security guards to protect their assets, as well as to oversee the protection of their employees and guests.
According to the FBI, pre-COVID data from 2019 shows that a violent crime was committed every 26.3 seconds, while property crimes were committed every 4.6 seconds. As of 2022, violent crime rates have dropped to pre-pandemic levels, but some crimes, such as robbery, have increased across the nation.
One of the best preventative measures you can take against crime is to hire a security guard. But first, you’ll have to decide if you need to hire a guard that’s armed or unarmed.
Not sure which type of guard is right for your business?
Here are the pros and cons of hiring armed vs unarmed guards to protect your business or your next event.
Contents:
What Type of Security Guard Do You Need?
What Do Unarmed Security Guards Do?
What Do Armed Security Guards Do?
Unarmed Security Guards: The Pros and Cons
What Type of Security Guard Do You Need?
Deciding whether to hire an armed or unarmed guard depends on the type of business you run. It also depends on how much risk is involved. High-risk businesses should consider armed security guard services, while unarmed guards are usually sufficient for businesses that have low-risk security needs.
To decide which type of guard to hire, consider the level of risk that you, your customers, your employees, or your event guests might face.
Examples of businesses that have high security risks include:
- Retail locations with expensive assets, such as jewelry or other luxury merchandise
- Commercial spaces with a lot of cash, valuables, or sensitive data on hand
- Offices or apartment buildings with a significant number of occupants
- Events with high-profile VIPs, including sporting events, concerts, movie sets, and political events
- Entertainment venues accessible to the general public
- Docks and marinas, especially those that harbor luxury yachts
- Any business located in a high-crime area
Business owners that operate in areas with a high crime rate should consider their businesses at risk, even if the nature of their business wouldn’t be deemed “risky” in an area with a lower crime rate.
For example, high-end retail outlets, jewelry stores, banks, and financial institutions are almost always considered high risk. But in a high-crime area, even convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants may be susceptible to criminal activity.
Read About: The Ultimate Event Security Checklist
What Do Unarmed Security Guards Do?
First and foremost, unarmed security officers play a major role in crime prevention. Many would-be criminals will think twice about taking part in criminal activity once they see that there’s a security guard on the premises.
Having said that, security guards do much more than deter vandals and keep thieves at bay. Unarmed guards, in particular, provide a variety of security solutions, such as:
- Creating safe entry and exit protocols (access control)
- Preventing people from entering restricted areas
- Screening or checking for weapons prior to entry
- Leading emergency evacuation plans
- Crowd control
In some situations, unarmed security professionals may also provide one-on-one assistance to customers, guests, and employees. They often escort guests and employees to their cars, provide directions, and staff the reception desk or front door of commercial offices and retail locations.
What Do Armed Security Guards Do?
Armed security guards do everything that unarmed guards do, with one addition:
They carry a firearm.
Armed guards undergo extensive training to prepare them to respond to life-threatening security matters. In fact, many are ex-police and ex-military who have years of experience in handling and discharging weapons. When necessary, they may use deadly force — and they’re permitted and trained to do so.
Unarmed Security Guards: The Pros and Cons
Like every other business decision you have to make, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of hiring an unarmed security professional. Here’s a look at how they can benefit your business, as well as why they may not be the right choice for your needs.
The Pros of Unarmed Security
Station an unarmed security pro at your door, and you can instantly provide your employees, customers, and guests with a safer environment. Here’s an in-depth look at why unarmed guards might be the best choice for your business.
Crime Prevention
The physical presence of security personnel, even when unarmed, is an effective crime deterrent. Many criminals will not commit an unlawful act in a space where security is present, alert, and ready to intervene.
Provide Peace of Mind
Unarmed guards provide peace of mind. They send the signal to employees, guests, and patrons of your business that someone is on watch to ensure a safe and secure environment at all times. They also send the message that you are a trustworthy business that values the safety of everyone on the premises.
More Cost-Effective Than Armed Guards
It’s more cost-effective to hire an unarmed guard than an armed guard. Armed guards cost more because they have weapons training and additional skills that unarmed guards do not.
The Cons of Unarmed Security Guards
While all guards can provide excellent protection, there is one main drawback to hiring an unarmed pro over an armed guard:
If a significant threat arises, they may not be able to stop it.
Unarmed guards are often equipped with non-lethal weapons, such as pepper spray, tasers, and batons. But depending on the threat, non-lethal weapons may not provide enough protection.
For example, should an armed gunman gain entry into your business or event, your security guard’s only option may be to call for backup from armed law enforcement professionals. An armed guard, on the other hand, may be able to stop the threat in its tracks without having to wait for police officers to arrive on scene.
Armed Security Guards: The Pros and Cons
In a high-risk business, an armed guard may be the only way to provide the level of security your business needs. Here are the pros and cons of adding an armed weapons expert to your security team.
The Pros of Armed Security
Depending on the nature of your business and its location, an armed guard can be an invaluable asset. Yes, they can add to your payroll expenses — but there are several benefits that more than justify the cost.
Crime Prevention
Like unarmed guards, armed security experts are a highly effective crime-prevention measure. Many crimes are crimes of opportunity where the criminal strikes because the business appears to be easy to attack. Armed guards make it clear that your business is not an easy target, and most criminals prefer ones that are.
Enhanced Safety
In general, armed guards can make customers, guests, and staff feel more secure. This can improve your clientele’s confidence in your business, as well as their perception of safety. Furthermore, if a dangerous situation arises, these pros have what it takes to eliminate a threat as soon as it presents itself.
Instant Protection
Immediate assessment and elimination of a threat is key to maintaining everyone’s safety. Because armed guards have firearms training, they can provide instant protection against a threat without having to wait for law enforcement agencies to arrive on scene.
The Cons of Armed Security Guards
Before hiring an armed guard, consider the drawbacks of having a firearm visible in your place of business.
Guns Make Some People Uncomfortable
Not everyone feels comfortable around firearms. For that reason, having an armed security guard could do more than make potential criminals feel nervous — they could make certain customers feel nervous, too.
In addition to feeling uneasy around guns, some customers, staff, and guests may assume that the presence of an armed guard means that they’re in a dangerous place that needs extreme protection. Even if it is a “dangerous” place, this is not the message that most businesses want to send.
People expect to see armed guards in locations with a high risk of theft, such as banks, courthouses, and luxury retail stores. But placing an armed guard in a restaurant, church, or anywhere that they’re not expected could create anxiety in people who are not comfortable around guns.
Armed Guards Cost More
Unarmed security guards, who have less training, don’t cost as much as armed guards.
Depending on your budget and the risk level of your business, it may or may not be cost-effective to hire a guard who has a license to carry a firearm.
In addition to firearms training, most armed security professionals undergo other types of training. They learn de-escalation techniques, how to read non-verbal cues and body language, and conflict resolution — all of which can minimize potential dangers and eliminate threats.
Increased Cost of Liability Insurance
When necessary, an armed security officer may use lethal force, which can result in extreme injury or even death. For this reason, you’ll need to purchase additional liability insurance to protect your organization’s assets.
Of course, more liability insurance means higher operating costs for your business.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Security Company
There are many different types of security companies you can hire. Consider the following factors when interviewing and vetting potential guards.
Reputation
Always check online reviews and testimonials before hiring a security company.
You can use a security services search directory, such as Security Explorer, to read reviews about the best services in your area. Listening to what other customers and clients have to say about their experiences can help you decide if a particular security company is right for your business.
You can also run background checks and reference checks on security personnel. It’s critical to vet your guards, as you’re putting everyone’s safety and security in their hands.
Experience
It goes without saying that you want your security personnel to have experience. What’s more important is that they have the right type of experience.
Some companies are experts in event security, while others specialize in the protection of hospitals, banks, or office buildings.
A guard who has experience working in your particular business or industry will be best prepared for the task at hand. You can trust that they possess an in-depth understanding of the potential threats you could face.
Cost
Always compare prices and services to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
Obtain quotes from two or three different security experts so that you know if you’re paying the right amount for the level and quality of service they offer.
Familiarity With Your Local Region
Security guards are experts in situational awareness who can adapt to almost any setting. Still, it’s important that they’re familiar with your geographical region. To fully understand and prepare for the risks that your business may face, they’ll need to be aware of the local demographics, the surrounding businesses, and the neighborhood as a whole.
Security guards offer protection against active threats, and when an active threat isn’t present, they help deter crime and offer peace of mind.
Whether you choose to hire armed or unarmed guards, it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your business while ensuring that your employees, guests, and patrons always feel secure.
Without a guard, your business runs the risk of becoming an easy target that attracts criminals — which can cause significant damage and harm.
Professional security services are available all across the country. If you’re looking to hire a guard in California, connect with Security Explorer now to find experts you can trust and rely on to keep your business safe.
Up Next: 43 Shocking U.S. Burglary Statistics for 2023
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The Ultimate Event Security Checklist
As an event planner, you have a lot on your plate.
So many things fall on your shoulders: from reserving the perfect venue to hiring the vendors for catering and entertainment. On top of it all, you still need to decorate the space and plan for where and how your guests will park and check in.
But there’s another crucial element you can’t afford to overlook: security.
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Navigating Safe Waters: Yacht Security Essentials for Peace of Mind
Picture yourself on the deck of a luxurious yacht, surrounded by the sparkling expanse of the open sea. While yachting is a dream come true for many, it’s important to remember that, just like any other high-end possession, a yacht is an investment that requires proper protection.
Here, we’ll explore the world of yacht security, highlighting essential measures and strategies to ensure the safety and security of your prized vessel, its passengers, and your peace of mind.
Contents:
The Need for Maritime Security
Owning a private yacht is more than just a symbol of prestige; it’s also a substantial financial investment.
Yachts often house valuable equipment, personal belongings, and high-end technology. Furthermore, they are frequently in unfamiliar waters or remote destinations, making them susceptible to a range of security risks, including theft, vandalism, and even piracy.
Yacht security is essential to safeguard your investment and the safety of those on board.
Risk Assessment and Security Planning for Your Yacht
Before embarking on any voyage, conduct a thorough risk assessment of your yacht and its intended routes.
This assessment should consider factors like the cruising area’s security reputation, the prevalence of piracy, and potential weather-related risks, as well as your yacht’s degree of vulnerability to each factor. For example, security risks will vary significantly for one yacht traveling through Florida and another traveling around Africa.
Once risks are identified, create a comprehensive security plan that includes measures for both risk management and response.
Engaging a professional security team can be invaluable in this phase, as they have experience in yacht security and can offer expert guidance on crew training, security systems, and more.
Find a reputable security firm in California today!
Onboard Security Personnel
For larger yachts, having on-site security personnel will take your ship’s security to the next level. These security officers are trained to handle a variety of situations, from deterring unauthorized access to responding to security breaches.
Their presence alone can often discourage potential threats. They can also provide valuable insights on security measures tailored to your specific vessel and route.
Surveillance and Alarm Systems
Modern yacht security relies heavily on technology. Install state-of-the-art surveillance systems, including CCTV, motion detectors, and alarm systems, to provide real-time monitoring of the vessel 24/7.
These detection systems can alert you to any suspicious activity, enabling rapid response even when you’re not on board.
Related: The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring a Security Guard
Access Control for Your Yacht
Implement strict access control measures to limit entry to authorized personnel only.
Keycard systems, biometric locks, and secure storage for keys can help ensure that only those with permission can access specific areas of the yacht. This is essential for protecting valuable equipment and personal belongings.
Secure Anchoring and Mooring
When moored or anchored, your yacht can be vulnerable to theft or intrusion.
Invest in secure anchoring systems and consider using additional locking mechanisms for gangways and boarding points. Sturdy padlocks and reinforced doors can provide an extra layer of security.
Yacht Crew Training and Emergency Protocols
A well-trained crew is your first line of defense.
Ensure that your crew members are familiar with security protocols and emergency procedures. Regular drills and training can help them respond effectively to potential threats or emergencies.
Emergency Communication
Install reliable communication systems onboard, including satellite phones and distress beacons. These devices can be crucial in case of emergencies or when assistance is needed in remote areas.
Outsource Your Yacht’s Security to a Private Security Company
For those seeking comprehensive yacht security solutions, Security Explorer offers trusted and experienced partners in safeguarding your maritime adventures.
Our team of seasoned security professionals helps connect yacht owners like you to reputable maritime security guards in California so you get the best security in your area to keep your vessel and passengers secure.
By outsourcing security to a specialized maritime security service, you gain access to a wealth of expertise, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the open sea with the assurance that your yacht is in capable hands, fortified against potential threats.
Owning a yacht is a remarkable experience, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of your investment, your guests, and your crew.
Yacht security is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially when sailing in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous waters.
By conducting thorough risk assessments, investing in surveillance technology, and implementing access control measures, you can navigate the open seas with confidence, knowing that your yacht is fortified against unwanted intruders and your voyages are filled with moments of pure relaxation and enjoyment.
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7 Essential Reasons to Hire a Bank Security Guard In 2023
As the world evolves, so do the security challenges facing banks and financial institutions.
Those challenges include more than just digital threats. Bank managers must also look out for the safety of their customers and assets.
Despite the rise of online banking, in-person bank security guards are as crucial today as they were in years past — for a number of reasons we’ll cover below.
Keep reading to learn why your bank could benefit from hiring a security guard. We’ll also share several best practices for hiring the right security guard or security firm for your bank’s needs.
Contents:
- Robberies Are Always a Risk for Banks
- Humans Can Intervene in Ways That Tech Cannot
- Bank Security Guards Can Deter Insider Threats
- Customers Feel More Confident When Banks Have Security Guards
- Security Guards Can Immediately Respond to Incidents and Emergencies
- Better Oversight and More Regulatory Benefits
- Saves Money in the Long Run
- How to Find and Hire Security for Your Bank
1. Robberies are Always a Risk for Banks
Technically, bank robberies are on the decline in the United States. This is great news, but it doesn’t change the reality that financial institutions are still at risk.
In fact, it’s not the frequency of bank robberies that’s concerning. It’s the severity of what banks could lose if robbed.
Here’s a closer look at some of the statistics.
According to the most recent data from the FBI, there were a total of 1,964 “Violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute” between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.
The vast majority of these crimes took place at commercial banks and credit units. About 85% percent were committed at the bank teller’s counter.
Of those 1,964 bank robberies reported to the FBI in 2021, just under half involved the threat of a weapon, such as a firearm or an explosive.
Most of these incidents did not escalate to actual violence. However, they did result in at least 11 injuries, 3 deaths, and 28 people taken hostage.
Furthermore, a security guard was rarely on duty when a robbery occurred — only for 146 of those incidents.
That’s a good sign that it may not be enough to rely on alarm systems or bank security cameras alone.
Note that according to the FBI, not all bank robberies are reported to them. The FBI has stated that their statistics may not be a complete representation of the current state of bank robberies within the US.
2. Humans Can Intervene in Ways That Tech Cannot
As stated above, bank security officers were on duty during fewer than 10% of all bank robberies that occurred in 2021. Less than half of those guards were armed.
It’s well known that every bank uses some form of security, even if they don’t employ security guards. The most common bank security practices include ATM cameras, CCTV surveillance systems, alarm systems, door locks, and emergency response procedures.
Having said that, nearly all recent bank robberies happened at financial institutions that use security cameras and alarm systems. Very few robberies occurred at banks that regularly employ security guards.
Alarm systems and surveillance cameras can go a long way to maintaining the security of your bank. But the intuition of a well-trained and experienced security guard will always take that one step further.
Most criminals don’t want to rob a bank that has active, in-person private security guards on the premises. Although we can’t say for certain, that may be one reason why so many recent bank robberies have occurred at banks without an on-duty guard.
The mere presence of a security guard is often enough to deter or prevent a crime. Security guards are better than alarm and camera systems when it comes to protecting customers, employees, and the banking institution as a whole.
That’s because humans are more attuned to notice red flags and unusual behavior, which busy bank employees may otherwise overlook.
In addition, there’s some really interesting science about how human intuition can help us identify criminals. As it turns out, humans are quite skilled at it.
Case in point: even the most sophisticated technological solutions can be bypassed without proper human oversight.
3. Bank Security Guards Can Deter Insider Threats
Statistics show that employee theft and crime are believed to be one of the greatest risks posed to banks and other types of financial firms.
In particular, access control is a major issue for financial institutions.
Insider risks for banks may include, but are not limited to:
- Stealing customer data and using that data to create and profit from fraudulent bank accounts
- Stealing and then selling customer data, such as Social Security Numbers
- Skimming funds from inactive or rarely monitored bank accounts
Hiring for more bank security guard jobs can play a key preventative role in helping financial institutions to monitor and mitigate risks from disgruntled employees.
That’s because the physical presence of an on-duty bank security guard makes the working environment of a bank feel more monitored and secure.
It also demonstrates the banking institution’s commitment to security and oversight, which can make employees think twice before acting on an impulse.
Use security guard services to deter employees from taking criminal action.
Related: The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring a Security Guard to Keep You Safe
4. Customers Feel More Confident When Banks Have Security Guards
Bank security guards do more than simply deter people from committing crimes. They also have the potential to make customers feel more confident when using your bank.
Studies have shown that when people are in situations that they perceive as unsafe, they feel safer when they see law enforcement and professional security guards patrolling on foot.
In other words, bank customers can feel confident knowing that your financial institution has more than one security measure in place in the event of a sudden robbery or heist. Customers are likely to feel safer using a bank that has security guards on regular patrol than a bank that has no security guards at all.
Visible, full-time bank security guard services can boost customer trust and confidence. It also gives customers peace of mind.
5. Security Guards Can Immediately Respond to Incidents and Emergencies
Hopefully, your bank or financial institution will never need to rely on security services in an actual emergency situation.
The good news is that in the unlikely event of criminal activity or another emergency situation, a bank security guard can immediately jump into action and intervene. This applies whether you’re using unarmed or armed security guards.
Having one or more security guards on bank property can reduce emergency response time by several critical minutes or more. Using security guard services can empower your institution to better protect its staff and customers until law enforcement or emergency services have arrived — often saving lives in the process.
This is also why it’s important to hire security specialists who have CPR, first aid, or first responder certifications and training.
6. Bank Security Guards Provide Better Oversight and More Regulatory Benefits
There are several bank security needs that overlap with regulatory and compliance requirements.
At some financial institutions, security guards are responsible for more than just physically monitoring the property. They’re also expected to design the security systems, strategies, and procedures that not only protect customers, but also protect customer data. Protecting customer data is a key responsibility of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions, which are necessary to comply with banking laws.
In other words, a sophisticated and well-trained bank security service can play a major role in helping banks comply with security and privacy regulations.
Likewise, security guards can assist with records maintenance and reporting suspicious activities.
Read About: 43 Shocking U.S. Burglary Statistics for 2023
7. Bank Security Saves Money in the Long Run
If you’re like most bank managers, you probably run a cost-benefit analysis before making most of your decisions. So, let’s crunch a few numbers.
An average of $7,500 is stolen in each bank robbery in the United States. The cost of occupational or “insider” thefts can be even greater.
This may sound like a drop in the bucket, but that’s because it doesn’t factor the associated risks to customer and employee safety, data, and privacy.
These risks can be even more costly for your financial institution. Not to mention that if your bank becomes the target of a robbery, the fallout can result in mountains of paperwork and countless hours spent on public relations.
These risks put a great deal of money at stake. They can also deter potential customers from opening a new account with your bank.
The more you invest in your bank’s security and prevention, the more losses you can prevent — financial or otherwise.
How to Find and Hire Security for Your Bank
Now that you’re more familiar with the benefits of hiring a security guard for your bank, it’s time to hire one.
Below, we provide some basic tips to help you get started. You can find even more tips by reading our guide to hiring security guards.
Job Description and Requirements
When hiring a security guard, make sure your job post includes a comprehensive job description of the security role you’re looking to fill.
Specify basic requirements. These may include a high school diploma or GED. It could also include a minimum number of preferred years of experience in fields like security solutions, law enforcement, private investigative work, or the military.
Most financial institutions hire a security firm rather than a single security guard. Use the above qualifications when interviewing potential firms about their own hiring practices. This will also give you a better idea of their security guards’ knowledge, experience, and abilities.
Part-time or Full-time?
Determine whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time security guards.
You may need a combination of both. For example, save money by hiring part-time guards to supervise your bank’s parking lot or provide special event security. These are also roles that may not require as many years of on-the-job experience.
Job Alerts and Platforms
There are various platforms where you can post jobs for security personnel or browse listings for different security companies. Security Explorer is one of the best and easiest to use, and can help you find the right service for your budget and needs.
Companies like Allied Universal specialize in providing trained security personnel. Their security officer job alert options can notify you when suitable candidates become available.
Skills and Specializations
Different banks and financial institutions will have different needs.
Some may prefer to hire skilled security specialists who have direct experience with handling high-stakes legal and regulatory issues. Other banks may want their security officers to be trained in certain skills, such as first aid or firearms training.
Tailor your job post accordingly. Look for candidates who not only meet the basic requirements, but who also have specialized training or multiple years of experience in the type of security you need.
Interviews and Screening
When you’re ready to make a hiring decision, invite potential candidates to tour your facility. This will give them an opportunity to see your security needs up close and write an accurate estimate. Make sure the estimate is itemized and factors in any labor, supplies, or overhead expenses.
You can also use this time to conduct an informal interview and get a better feel for the firm’s services and professionalism.
Note that several states enforce different training and certification requirements for security officers. Ask the prospective security firm how their guards are meeting those requirements.
Conclusion
Hiring a security guard to protect your financial institution’s customer and property is more essential than ever.
If you are a bank owner or manager, it’s encouraged that you regularly evaluate your current security systems and procedures to ensure they’re still meeting the bank’s needs. Consider hiring a security guard or a professional security firm that can oversee this work on your behalf.
At Security Explorer, financial institutions in California can visit our bank security services page to the best professional security services in your area.
Read More
The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring a Security Guard to Keep You Safe
Society has found many ways to keep our homes, communities, schools, businesses, and cities as safe as possible. We have everything from law enforcement agencies to CCTV technology and neighborhood watch programs.
That doesn’t change the fact that paying for a little extra security can buy you peace of mind.
43 Shocking U.S. Burglary Statistics for 2023
Is your home actually safe when you’re not around? According to recent statistics, it may not be as safe as you think.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to never experience a burglary, then you might not be familiar with how often they happen.
For those who have been less fortunate, you may already be asking yourself, “What are the odds that I could be burgled again?”